Benecke, Paul Victor Mendelssohn, 1868-1944

Paul Victor Mendelssohn Benecke (1868-1944) came up to Magdalen College Oxford as a Demy in 1886. He read Classics, achieving a first class in Honour Moderations, followed by a first class in Literae Humaniores in 1890 and a first class in Theology in 1891. He was a Denyer Johnson Scholar, awarded the Junior and Senior Greek Testament prizes, the Senior Septuagint prize and the Ellerton Theological Essay prize. He was made a Fellow of Magdalen in 1894, remaining as a Fellow until his death on 25 September 1944. He was the grandson of the composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and possessed many first edition manuscripts of his works. As a tutor, Benecke was to teach both students in Classics and Theology, although the papers below show that his interests ranged widely in philosophy, history, theology, classics, music and foreign languages. Although he published practically nothing during his lifetime apart from a revision of Liddell’s History of Rome and articles in a dictionary of the Bible, the documents below show how diverse a selection of papers he produced.

Benecke occupied rooms in the New Buildings of Magdalen for the entirety of his time as a Fellow. Known for his conservatism and longevity, he became renowned as the authority on college traditions and institutions. He served as Senior Dean of Arts from 1898-1899, Vice-President in 1900-1901 and 1912-1913 and Home Bursar from 1902-1920. His attention to his duties in the latter role was to make him a formidable presence at the meetings of Governing Body where his command of figures and knowledge of the finances of the college in intimate detail were legendary. He was also a frequent attendee of Magdalen Chapel services despite his self-confessed near-agnosticism. His papers on theological issues show Benecke trying to grapple with the issue of rationalising an emotional faith.

Outside of Magdalen, Benecke was an enthusiastic member of the University Music Society, serving as President 1888-1889. He was very interested in the ‘Magdalen Vagabonds’ singing group and was a good friend of John Stainer during Stainer’s second time at Magdalen after 1889. He also served on the boards of various charities and trusts, including as Treasurer of Lady Margaret Hall.